It is notable for its relatively great depth for the region - 50 metres (160 ft) - created as a deep gouge in the landscape in the most recent glaciation.

[1] The lake is located in the Meshchyera Lowlands, a glacial alluvial plain of swampy lowlands, gravelly moraines and limestone bedrock.

Lake Beloye is surrounded by pine forests, with reeds and sedge predominating on the shore.

Lake Beloye was classified in 1974 as a "Nature Monument of Regional Importance", for its "scientific, cultural, educational and health" value (World Database of Protected Places ID #206212).

The site records the presence several species listed as vulnerable in the Red Book of Russia, including the Viviparous lizard, the reptile living the farthest north.